We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful William Crawford. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with William below.
William, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding your purpose is a journey that takes a lot of trial and error and can take time but for me, I found my purpose through pain. Pain as we know it, is more physical but having an internal or emotional pain can sometimes can hurt more than the physical pain. I think going 18 years before finding out who birthed me opened a wound that I thought would never close. Realizing that those around you kept a secret this important for years have you re-evaluate love, true meaning of family, and most importantly; the why. This is when I clicked for me. Learning who the woman birthed you was through mugshots on google or hearing stories of how you were given to the family who raised you put so much into perspective for me. I understood my sole purpose in life is to be that light. If you have followed my journey, you’ll know I experienced homeless, experienced sexual proposition from University administrators, experienced temporary paralysis from the waist down but most of all you’ll know I never gave up. I knew that I had to be going through all of this for a greater purpose. My demographic of people has hide their pain, trauma and experiences for so long and I have not been one to hold back because I wanted the next person to know that they are not alone and it’s someone that have made it to the other side of the tunnel and is waiting for them to get to the other side as well.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I currently am the Director of privatized Airforce Housing. I think this field is very unique and special because it gives back to those who are serving our country. So many times we hear the “war stories” of veterans or active duty either living in horrible housing conditions or homeless and in this role I am able to completely change that narrative. Daily, I work with Airmen from all over to give them the best experience. What’s cool about this is, my nonprofit is also able to make an impact in this because studies have shown that 13 million people have PTSD so being able to have an dog sanctuary/rescue that these soldiers or veterans can come to and volunteer or adopt a companion is truly incredible not only for the people but for the dogs who are needing a loving home.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Having perseverance, optimism, and faith have been my three things that has not only been most impactful but most important in my journey. Anyone that is going through you journey of life and trying to find your purpose, give yourself grace. While we may look around on social media and see everyone “living their best life”, it may not be their purpose and if it’s not their purpose; their probably not authentically happy. Look within, look past the pain, and figure out how you can flip everything from pain to purpose and you’ll always have a smile. In the words of Nipsey Hussle “It’s a marathon, not a race”
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing Sheldon (dad) and Sharon (mom) ever has done was giving 3 month old William to Deena (guardian angel/mother); the woman who raised me, nurtured me, and taught me how to knock down every obstacle that will come my way. What could have turned out so bad turned into something so beautiful and I am forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: wjcfoundation_
- Facebook: WJC Foundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-crawford-483590265/
